8 Months and doing fine!!!!

I can't believe it has already been 8 months since my surgery. I have been having so much fun enjoying being alive and active that time has just passed me by! There are so many little things that have changed in the past 8 months, I just want to share for all the new post-ops and soon to be's to encourage you through that tough first part. Here are some of the things that have changed: I have lost 6 pant sizes from a 30 to a 14 I have gone from a 4X shirt to a Large I can outrun my kids I can bathe without damming up the tub I no longer have a shelf where my boobies were for all my food to land on My feet and back and knees don't hurt nearly as bad I no longer have acid reflux I no longer have borderline sugar levels I no longer have high cholesterol I can go to the pool and not feel embarassed I can wear shorts and not feel embarassed I can sit in seats at the movie theater and baseball stadium without it hurting and bruising me I can wrestle around on the floor with my husband (holding my own I might add) and not worry about crushing him and I can even sit on his lap if I want to. I can fit into an airplane seat without a seat-belt extender I can finally use self-control when I have a choice about the types of foods I have to eat I can be a healthy example to my children when it comes to proper eating I can deal with my problems in a much more mature way than I ever did before I finally realize I have the ability to change the things in my life I am unhappy with. I do not have to sit here and force myself to be content with how things are when I see something that needs to change. I am getting the courage to sing in front of people back. I used to sing professionally but haven't because I was ashamed of how I looked. Now I feel like I just might be willing to take that risk I can give back to others and show them the love I have inside and not constantly be afraid of what they think of me because it doesn't really matter. I am who God created me to be and that is good enough for me. I can hold my head up high and reach for my dreams without constantly having it in the back of my head that I am not worthy of pursuing those dreams! I am paying it forward however I am able. I am so thankful for the friends I have met here on OH and I can't wait to have the opportunity to finally meet some of you face to face in August! Now, for those of you who are losers already, what are the "I can's" in your life? How has this process changed you? What is it that you are thankful for. I would love to hear.. wuv you, Jaimee

Hi Jaimee! You're awesome! I can't wait to meet you in Cincy, although you're closer now. I don't know completely how you feel, but I can imagine. In just 1 month my back doesn't hurt when I walk from the car to my desk at work. So I can't wait to experience all you have. Except for the husband part. I'll have to shop for one of those later. Anyway, keep up the good work and thanks for inspiring me. Sharyn 307/273/148

Aww Make sure you come over and introduce yourself at the convention. I am sure after 2 mo out you will look totally different from your picture. I am glad to hear your pain is already lessening. It has been such a relief to have all the little aches and pains get better!

Jaimee, God Bless you and thank you for reminding us all of how lucky we are to have had this surgery and to be able to do so much more. Your picture looks great and I can really tell how much you've lost. Good luck and I hope to meet you at the Cincinnati event. Debra

I hope to meet you too. Since you don't have a pic posted you will have to come up and introduce yourself. Please do becuase I really am looking forward to meeting everyone. I am so excited about the Cincy trip I am about ready to burst! Tee hee hee. I relly need some girl time away from kids. I adore the little darlings, but adult conversation is goooooodddddd!

Hi Jamiee, What a great post, It is unbeliveable how great I feel, I reminding myself that I did not know I felt bad before so this is amazing. I can do so many more things now, I sat crosslegged in the grass last night, I think that was a first for me. Good luck, and thanks for posting. Julie

I too, often marvel at the fact that I can cross my legs. I remember the days when I would pick my leg up and sort of hold in in place. There are so many little things that I think most people take for granted. They are like little gifts we get to unwrap.

Jaimee, You are quite the inspiration! It is the folks like you that give us pre-ops the courage to move forward. You always seem to look at the positive side to everything and I congratulate you for that. Great job on your current achievements and all of those that I am sure will follow! Hugs, Lisa

Soon you will be posting messages like this too! I look forward to the opportunity to cheer you on! Keep your eye on the prize. Jaimee

Jamie, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing. You are such an inspiration. I just read your profile which was even more helpful. I am just a little over 3 weeks out and now I seem to worry about feeling hungry. I don't think I'm really hungry because if I take a bite of cottage cheese or egg salad I feel full. All I know is this surgery is certainly no easy way out. I feel like I am obsessed with food and hunger. Of course it's in a different way than before surgery. Do you still have your support group meetings? Could you give me more info about them. Thanks so much and congratulations on your success, Kelly